Good heavens! can that my mother be?

MARTHA (peering through the blind)

'Tis a strange gentleman, I see.
Come in!

[MEPHISTOPHELES enters.]

MEPHISTOPHELES

I've ventur'd to intrude today.
Ladies, excuse the liberty, I pray.

[He steps back respectfully before MARGARET.]

After dame Martha Schwerdtlein I inquire!

MARTHA

'Tis I. Pray what have you to say to me?